فَبِأَىِّ ءَالَآءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ 13
Translations
So which of the favors of your Lord would you deny?
Transliteration
Fa-bi-ayyi alaa'i rabbikuma tukadhdhiban
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah continues the refrain that appears throughout Surah Ar-Rahman, addressing both jinn and mankind collectively through the dual form (kuma). It challenges the listener to deny which of Allah's blessings and favors they will reject, emphasizing the futility and ingratitude of disbelief. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir note that this repeated rhetorical question serves as a powerful reminder of Divine mercy and an invitation to reflect upon the countless blessings that should compel one toward gratitude and obedience rather than denial.
Revelation Context
Surah Ar-Rahman is a Medinan chapter that celebrates Allah's attributes of mercy and benevolence. This particular ayah is part of the distinctive refrain (occurring 31 times in the surah) that structures the entire chapter, serving as an emphatic call to reflection and gratitude. The repetition itself is pedagogically significant, reinforcing the message through rhythmic reinforcement.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Muslim where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' relates thematically to recognizing and reciprocating blessings. Additionally, Tirmidhi narrates that gratitude (shukr) for blessings is essential to receiving more blessings from Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah invites believers to pause and consciously acknowledge the myriad blessings in their lives—both obvious and subtle—as a practice of gratitude that deepens faith and prevents spiritual heedlessness. By regularly asking ourselves which of Allah's favors we would dare deny, we cultivate humility and conscious servitude in daily life.